As a mother, it’s easy for me to stay in “mom mode.” By mom mode, I mean putting my kids and husband first. For example, when I drag myself out of bed in the morning, I take care of my kids’ needs first. I make them breakfast, pack Sophia’s lunch, and let them eat. If there’s time, I brew coffee for myself. Then there’s a mad rush to get teeth brushed and kids dressed before we run out the door to catch the bus.

Sound familiar? I am lucky that my husband does the morning routine for over half the week. The days where I have morning duty, I never eat breakfast before noon. As much as I’d like for it to, coffee does not count as breakfast. That’s not good for my metabolism or health. I’ve been thinking a lot about my lack of physical self care after reading Madly in Love With Me by Christine Arylo.

When I first started reading the book, I wasn’t sure how much of it would apply to me. It took a lot of time, but I’m very comfortable with my plus sized body. I think I’m pretty confident. I try to balance my personal goals with my family’s goals. Then I read Chapter 6: Self Care. Arylo defines self care as “choosing to make sure that you get what you need on all levels-physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally-every day.”

I took the Self Love Pulse check at the beginning of the chapter, and, did I not do well. My body does not get good food or my mind good sleep. At least I’m generally happy (unless I got less than 3 hours of sleep).

It’s really silly of me. I know that I need more sleep. I know that I should eat breakfast every morning. I know that I should exercise. Yet I constantly push these aside because I have so much to do.

I’m going to make some changes. I’m leaving for my cruise soon and I plan on getting a lot of sleep. Naps by the pool. It’ll be a retreat of a sort to rejuvenate my body, mind and spirit.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll make an extra of whatever the kids are having for breakfast so I can eat too. It’s a good start, right?

Do you take good care of yourself or do you take care of your family first, like I do?

I received a copy of Madly in Love With Me for review. To learn more about Christine Arylo and join the self love revolution, visit her website. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.